Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma
This course is thoughtfully structured into ten manageable units, each exploring key aspects of the field.
Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma Entry Requirements
All students must be 16 years of age and above to enter our Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma course.
Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.
Study Hours
Approximately 20 hours per unit.
Assessment
Optional coursework and final examination.
Enrolment
Please note that you can enrol on this course at any time.
Course Length
1 Year.
Endorsed By
Students have the option to choose the awarding body of their course.
This course has been endorsed by :
Quality Licence Scheme: https://qualitylicencescheme.co.uk/
Or
Accord: https://accord.ac/
These courses’ awarding bodies are recognised for their high-quality, non-regulated provision and training programmes. This course is not regulated by Ofqual and is not an accredited qualification. Your training provider will be able to advise you on any further recognition, for example, progression routes into further and/or higher education. For further information please visit the Quality Licence Scheme website or the Accord website
Progression
This Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma course can be used to gain entry to a Level 4 Diploma or higher.
Course Content
Unit 1: Anatomy and Physiology
This unit delves into the biological causes of dementia, examining the physical changes in the brain, particularly in the central and peripheral nervous systems. It explores the anatomy of the brain, disease progression patterns, and the impact on communication. Common types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, are briefly explored, providing a comprehensive understanding of the physiological aspects of the condition.
Unit 2: Understanding Dementia
This unit provides a comprehensive overview of dementia, covering its various forms, historical context, signs and symptoms (including the three stages and early onset), ethical considerations, and the impact on families and carers. It emphasises the diverse effects on coordination, emotions, personality, and memory. The unit addresses the evolving landscape of dementia care, discussing future challenges and emphasising the importance of placing the patient at the centre of their care plan.
Unit 3: Specialist unit: Understanding Alzheimer’s
This unit dispels the misconception that Alzheimer’s is a natural part of ageing, attributing its increased prevalence to longer life expectancy, improved healthcare, and heightened awareness. It explores the impact of genetics, environmental factors, alcohol, and smoking on the disease. Focused on Alzheimer’s, the unit provides an in-depth understanding of the disease, its symptoms, and caregiving approaches. While there’s no cure, the unit covers medications and non-pharmacological interventions to alleviate symptoms and manage certain forms of dementia.
Unit 4: The role of a care worker
This unit explores the diverse network of individuals providing care for dementia patients, ranging from doctors to family members. It emphasises the challenges faced during the early stages of the disease, focusing on informal care by relatives and support networks. Topics include the burden of care, financial and asset management, support services, and career-related matters. The unit delves into the roles of care providers in both primary and secondary care settings, addressing person specifications, training, and professionalism. It also covers principles of care, codes of practice, and the organisation of care plans.
Unit 5: Good Practice
This unit emphasises the importance of common good practices in care, addressing past failures and offering case studies for training in recognising quality care. It highlights the necessity of maintaining independence and quality of life, particularly in care home settings. The unit explores person-centred care approaches, the formulation of care plans, and current protocols to prevent abuse. Additionally, it discusses relevant legislation and the role of voluntary organisations in promoting and ensuring good practice.
Unit 6: Interpretation and Communication
As dementia progresses, effective communication becomes crucial for successful relationships. This unit explores the challenges of communication as cognitive and physical functions decline, requiring new understanding and patience. It addresses issues like frustration, personality changes, aggression, and potential mental health problems in dementia patients. Practical techniques for verbal and alternative communication methods, such as picture books, are practiced through real scenarios. The unit also covers skills for addressing withdrawal and non-communication, including repetition, interpreting body language, and supporting those with conditions like Dysphasia (loss of speech).
Unit 7: Practical Help
Memory loss in dementia patients can lead to an inability to self-care. This unit emphasises the physical care needs, such as reminding and assisting with bathing, dressing, and eating. It covers essential assistance like personal hygiene, grooming, toilet needs, nutrition, exercise, and addressing sleep disturbance. The focus is on maintaining dignity, empowering patients, and respecting individual rights. Activities help learners reflect on potential challenges, such as inadequate equipment, staff shortages, and reductionist approaches in secondary care settings.
Unit 8: Managing challenging behaviour
This unit addresses the topical issue of abuse in people with dementia and the challenges faced by their caregivers. It explores the effective management of challenging behaviours such as aggression, wandering, accusations, repetition, shouting, and depression. Understanding these behaviours is crucial for providing support, using techniques like distraction, reassurance, and repetition. The importance of risk assessment and management, including continuous reassessment of needs through care planning, is emphasised to prevent abuse and ensure the well-being of both dementia patients and their caregivers.
Unit 9: Palliative care
This unit emphasises the importance of maintaining dignity in death for individuals with dementia. As the disease progresses, sufferers become more vulnerable to serious illnesses like pneumonia, ultimately leading to fatal outcomes. The impact on spouses, family, and friends is considered, addressing anticipatory grief through case studies. Basic knowledge of palliative care for dementia sufferers is provided, covering death at home and hospice care. The unit explores how to offer comfort, dignity, and empathy during this challenging time, addressing the grieving process and its effects on the family. Clear guidelines for managing death in a care context and ensuring dignity in palliative care are discussed.
Unit 10: Medication & Treatment
Dementia is primarily caused by the death of brain and nerve cells. Initial management involves various medications and therapies to reduce damage, with efficacy improving as understanding and new medications develop. However, individual responses vary, requiring a personalised approach. This unit explores the pharmacology of dementia treatment, addressing issues like non-compliance. It also delves into potential medical procedures, common complications, costs, and future treatments, providing a comprehensive overview of the Dementia Care course.
Requirements
- All students must be 16 years of age and above to enter our Level 3 Dementia Care Diploma course. Level 3 Diploma courses require a minimum prior learning to GCSE standard in order that students can manage their studies and the assumed knowledge within course content.